Highlanders poised to end playoffs drought

Coach Jamie Joseph coach won't be pleasant company if the Highlanders extend their Super Rugby playoff drought to 11 years.

After two seasons of small improvements, Joseph has reached beyond the borders of the southern-most franchise to build the strongest Highlanders roster in recent memory.

Veteran Blues All Blacks Tony Woodcock and Ma'a Nonu and 38-year-old lock Brad Thorn give the Highlanders something of a Dad's Army appearance but it's a scary one for opponents who would historically circle the Highlanders match as a winnable one on their season schedule.

With such firepower added to a side who were in the playoff mix for most of last year until a late fade, Joseph doesn't mince his words.

"We've only been a jump and a step away from the playoffs previously. So if we don't make the playoffs, I'm going to be bloody disappointed," he said.

The last time they did so was 2002.

A comparatively small player pool to choose from and a reluctance from out-of-towners to shift south has previously worked against them.

But a new stadium and the arrival of Joseph has changed that, as well as introducing a fast-moving style based around electric All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith.

It proved highly effective for most of last year, particularly at their covered Dunedin home ground where conditions for running rugby are always guaranteed.

Critics think that same style wore them out by season's end but Joseph disagrees.

"We started with a hiss and a roar and tapered away towards the end but there were a lot of reasons for that, not just because of the way we play the game.

"We've had a lot of injuries, we've lacked depth, and we had to work hard for our wins.

"We haven't had a lot of x-factor to actually finish games ... I'd like that to change."

Supported by two new assistants - former All Blacks backs Jon Preston and Scott McLeod - Joseph wants competition in every position to raise standards.

The return from injury of Colin Slade to contest the No.10 jersey with Lima Sopoaga is a prime example while Thorn and Woodcock will stiffen a pack that was already one of the toughest in the competition.